JBL Tune 230NC VS JBL TUNE 130NC | Which Should You Buy??

Summary

This video compares JBL's Tune 230 and Tune 130 noise-canceling earbuds. Both feature similar specs but differ in design, with the Tune 230 having a long stem and the Tune 130 being more compact. They offer customizable touch controls, Bluetooth 5.2 support, and up to 40 hours of battery life with their cases. The Tune 230 provides a more secure fit and louder sound, while both have effective ANC and transparency modes. The reviewer prefers the Tune 230 due to its comfort during use.

Takeaways

• 🎧 Both JBL Tune 230 and Tune 130 earbuds have similar charging cases with slight differences in size.
• 🔌 Neither earbuds support wireless charging, but they both have USB Type-C charging ports.
• 📱 Both models feature touch-sensitive controls and are compatible with JBL's app for customization.
• 📡 They operate on Bluetooth 5.2 and support Google Fast Pair for easy connection with Android devices.
• 🎵 The Tune 230 has a long stem design, while the Tune 130 has a more compact form factor.
• 🔋 Both earbuds offer 10 hours of battery life on a single charge and 40 hours with the charging case.
• 💦 They have an IPX4 rating, making them sweat and splash-proof, but not suitable for submersion in water.
• 🎵 The Tune 230 uses a 6mm driver and the Tune 130 a 10mm driver, both delivering dynamic and lively sound.
• 🔊 The Tune 230 seems to get slightly louder than the Tune 130, providing a more forward sound at max volume.
• 📞 Both earbuds have good call quality in both quiet and noisy environments.

Q & A

What are the two JBL earbuds being compared in the video?

The video compares the JBL Tune 230 and the JBL Tune 130.

What is the main difference between the charging cases of the Tune 230 and Tune 130?

The charging case of the Tune 130 is slightly smaller than the Tune 230, but they are otherwise nearly identical in design and build quality.

Do both earbuds support wireless charging?

No, both the JBL Tune 230 and Tune 130 do not feature wireless charging.

What are the different connection modes available within the JBL app for these earbuds?

The JBL app offers Normal mode for stability, Audio mode for best audio quality, and Video mode for the best video watching experience.

How long is the battery life for each earbud on a single charge?

Both the JBL Tune 230 and Tune 130 offer 10 hours of battery life on a single charge.

What is the total battery life when using the charging case?

With the charging case, the total battery life extends to 40 hours for both earbuds.

What is the IP rating of these earbuds and what does it mean?

The earbuds have an IPX4 rating, which means they are sweat and splash proof, but not suitable for complete submersion in water.

How do the fit of the Tune 230 and Tune 130 differ?

The Tune 230 has a long stem design for a straightforward fit, while the Tune 130 requires more effort to seat properly and may need readjusting during medium to high-intensity movements.

What are the sizes of the drivers in the Tune 230 and Tune 130?

The JBL Tune 230 uses a six-millimeter driver, and the Tune 130 uses a 10-millimeter driver.

How does the sound quality differ between the Tune 230 and Tune 130?

Both earbuds offer a dynamic, lively JBL sound with strong bass, clean mids, and highs. However, the Tune 230 seems to get slightly louder at max volume compared to the Tune 130.

What is the performance of the active noise cancellation and transparency mode?

The active noise cancellation and transparency mode perform similarly on both earbuds, blocking about 70% of surroundings and providing a natural sound without white noise or delay.

How do the JBL Tune 230 and Tune 130 perform in call quality tests?

Both earbuds perform well in call quality, both in quiet and noisy environments, as demonstrated in the microphone tests conducted in the video.

Outlines

00:00

🎧 Comparison of JBL Tune 230 and Tune 130 Earbuds

This paragraph compares two JBL active noise-canceling earbuds: Tune 230 and Tune 130. Both have similar specs but differ in design. The Tune 230 has a long stem design, while the Tune 130 is more compact. Both have touch-sensitive controls customizable via the JBL app, but not all controls are accessible at once. They both run on Bluetooth 5.2, support Google Fast Pair, and have connection modes for stable connection, best audio quality, and video watching. They offer 10 hours of battery life on a single charge and 40 hours with the case. Neither supports wireless charging. They are both IPX4 rated, making them sweat and splash-proof. The fit of the Tune 230 is straightforward, but the Tune 130 requires more effort and may need readjustment during high-intensity movements. The Tune 230 uses a 6mm driver, while the Tune 130 uses a 10mm driver, both providing a dynamic JBL sound with a customizable equalizer in the app.

05:01

🔊 Sound Quality and ANC Performance

The second paragraph discusses the sound quality and active noise cancellation (ANC) of the JBL Tune 230 and Tune 130 earbuds. Both earbuds deliver a dynamic and lively sound with strong bass, clear mids, and highs. The ANC performance is solid, blocking approximately 70% of ambient noise. The transparency mode is effective, providing a natural sound without noticeable white noise or delay. Call quality is good in both quiet and noisy environments. The paragraph includes a microphone test for both earbuds to demonstrate how they perform in quiet and noisy conditions. The test shows that the earbuds maintain good call quality even with background noise. The reviewer personally prefers the Tune 230 due to a better fit, as the Tune 130 required frequent readjustment. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to check out the products and engage with the channel.

Keywords

💡Active Noise Canceling

Active Noise Canceling (ANC) refers to a technology that reduces unwanted ambient sounds using a combination of microphones and signal processing. In the context of the video, ANC is a feature of the JBL Tune 230 and Tune 130 earbuds, which helps block out external noise, allowing users to focus on their audio without distractions. The script mentions that both earbuds have solid ANC performance, blocking about 70% of the surroundings.

💡Charging Cases

Charging cases are portable containers designed to store and charge wireless earbuds. In the video, the charging cases for both the JBL Tune 230 and Tune 130 are described as nearly identical, with a matte finish and USB Type-C charging ports. They differ slightly in size, with the Tune 130's case being marginally smaller. The cases are also noted for their good build quality and magnetic closure.

💡Form Factor

The form factor of a device refers to its physical design and dimensions. The video script highlights the form factor as a significant difference between the Tune 230 and Tune 130, with the former featuring a long stem design and the latter not having one. This difference affects how each earbud fits in the user's ear, with the Tune 230 offering a more straightforward fit.

💡Bluetooth 5.2

Bluetooth 5.2 is a version of the Bluetooth wireless technology standard that offers improved speed, reliability, and energy efficiency compared to its predecessors. The video mentions that both earbuds operate on Bluetooth 5.2 and support Google Fast Pair, which facilitates quick and easy pairing with Android devices.

💡Touch Sensitive Controls

Touch sensitive controls are input mechanisms that respond to touch rather than physical pressure. The script explains that both the Tune 230 and Tune 130 earbuds have touch-sensitive controls that can be customized within the JBL app. However, users cannot access all controls simultaneously and must choose between different functions.

💡Battery Life

Battery life refers to the duration a device can operate before needing to be recharged. The video states that both earbuds offer 10 hours of battery life on a single charge, extending to 40 hours with the charging case. This is an important consideration for users who want long-lasting, portable audio solutions.

💡IPX4 Rating

An IPX4 rating indicates that a device is splash-resistant, meaning it can withstand water projected by a showerhead from any angle. In the video, the IPX4 rating of the earbuds is mentioned as a feature that makes them suitable for use in conditions where they might get wet, such as during workouts.

💡Sound Quality

Sound quality is a measure of the accuracy and pleasing characteristics of audio reproduction. The video discusses the sound quality of the JBL earbuds, noting that both models offer a dynamic, lively sound with strong bass, clear mids, and highs. The JBL app also allows users to customize the sound profile through an equalizer.

💡Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Performance

ANC performance refers to how effectively a device's noise-canceling technology reduces ambient noise. The script describes the ANC performance of the earbuds as solid, blocking approximately 70% of the surrounding noise, which is crucial for users seeking an immersive audio experience.

💡Transparency Mode

Transparency mode is a feature that allows external sounds to be heard through noise-canceling headphones or earbuds, enhancing situational awareness. The video mentions that the transparency mode on both earbuds is effective, providing a natural sound without noticeable white noise or delay.

💡Microphone Test

A microphone test is a procedure to evaluate the audio quality of a device's microphone, often in different environments. The video includes microphone tests for both earbuds in quiet and noisy conditions to demonstrate how they perform during phone calls or voice recordings.

Highlights

Comparison of JBL Tune 230 and Tune 130 earbuds

Charging cases are nearly identical with a slight size difference

Both earbuds have a matte finish and LED indicators

USB Type-C charging ports are located at the back of the cases

Good build quality with secure magnetic closures

Lack of wireless charging on both earbuds

Tune 230 earbuds have a long stem design, Tune 130 do not

Both earbuds feature touch-sensitive controls customizable via the JBL app

Bluetooth 5.2 support and Google Fast Pair compatibility

Different connection modes for stable connection, best audio quality, and video watching

Independent use of either earbud

10-hour battery life on a single charge, extending to 40 hours with the case

Quick charge feature provides 2 hours of listening time from a 10-minute charge

IPX4 rating makes earbuds sweat and splash proof

Fit differences due to the form factor, Tune 230 has a more straightforward fit

Tune 130 may require readjustment during medium to high-intensity movements

Tune 230 uses a 6mm driver, Tune 130 uses a 10mm driver for dynamic sound

Customizable equalizer in the JBL app, but limited presets

Tune 230 seems to get slightly louder compared to Tune 130

Active noise cancellation and transparency mode are similar on both earbuds

ANC blocks about 70% of surroundings, transparency mode is effective with no white noise

Good call quality in both quiet and noisy environments

Microphone test results for both earbuds

Personal preference leans towards Tune 230 due to fit

Links to purchase and social media follow options provided

Transcripts

what's going on guys welcome back to

another video today we're going to take

a look at and compare two of the latest

active noise canceling earbuds from jbl

we have the jbl tune 230 and the jbl

tune 130. on paper these are sharing a

lot of the same specs and features but

we're going to outline some of the

differences between the two just in case

you're considering either of these

earbuds so starting off with the

charging cases they're nearly identical

they're both very blocky and a little

bit on the chunky side the case of the

tune 130 is just slightly smaller

compared to the case of the tune 230 you

can't really tell on camera but once you

have them both in person you will notice

it's ever so slightly smaller aside from

that they're basically the exact same

they've got a matte finish all the way

around with some branding featured on

the front and right above that you have

an led indicator to help you gauge your

battery life and then over on the back

is where you have your usb type-c

charging ports you're getting some

really good build quality on both of the

cases which is evident once you open

them up because you can really feel the

lids lock into place so neither of them

is going to accidentally close on you

and they're both giving you a nice

satisfying magnetic closure with true

wireless earbuds becoming more and more

competitive i would have liked to see

both of these feature wireless charging

but sadly they don't

moving over to the earbuds obviously the

form factor is going to be your biggest

difference with the tune 230 earbuds

you're getting that long stem design

whereas with the tune 130 earbuds you're

not both earbuds are giving you touch

sensitive controls which can be

customized within the jbl app however

you're not able to access all of your

controls at once so between your play

and pause your track forward your track

backward your volume control your

ambient sound control and your voice

assistant you will have to pick and

choose and make some sacrifices so both

earbuds are running bluetooth 5.2 and

they support google fast pair so if

you're on an android device once you

open up the case they're going to

automatically initiate the pairing

process within the jbl app you do have

some different connection modes that you

can make use of you have the normal mode

and this is what you want to use if your

main priority is having a stable

connection you also have an audio mode

and this is what you would want to use

if your main priority is achieving the

best audio quality and then you have a

video mode which is what you want for

the best experience watching videos and

movies both earbuds support independent

use so you can use either the left or

the right earbuds independently and then

as far as battery life they're both

giving you an impressive 10 hours on a

single charge and that extends to a

total of 40 hours with the case

keep in mind those numbers will vary

depending on how much you use the

features like active noise cancellation

but if you're ever short on juice they

do support quick charge so just 10

minutes in the case will give you about

2 hours of listening time they're also

coming with an ipx4 rating which makes

them sweat and splash proof so if they

happen to get wet they're going to hold

up just fine just make sure you don't

completely submerge them in water so due

to these earbuds having a different form

factor you are going to notice a

difference as far as their fit with the

tune 230 having that long stem design

the fit is pretty straightforward all

you have to do is make sure you try out

the different size ear tips to make sure

you get the proper seal for your ears

the tune 130 on the other hand take a

little more effort to get seated

properly in your ear and even once you

get them securely in your ear if you're

doing any medium to high intensity

movements you're going to find yourself

needing to readjust them from time to

time

with the earbuds being as large as they

are i'm very surprised that they didn't

include an ear wing or an ear fin to

help lock them into place

if you have small ears like myself the

tune 130 are not going to be useful for

anything besides casual listening if you

have medium to larger size ears you

might be able to get a more secure fit

but i think what they really need is an

earwing now moving over to the sound

quality the jbl tune 230 is using a six

millimeter driver and the tune 130 is

using a 10 millimeter driver both of

these are giving you that very dynamic

lively jbl sound so you're getting some

nice strong boomy bass along with some

very clean mids and highs and within the

jbl app you have access to a fully

customizable equalizer so you're able to

kind of shape the sound to what you

prefer

i do wish jbl included more presets

within their app but with a little trial

and error you should be able to find a

sound that works well for you

one difference that i noticed in terms

of the sound is that the tune 230 do

seem to get slightly louder compared to

the tune 130. so everything comes off a

little more pushed forward at max volume

whereas on the tune 130 it sounds a

little bit more recessed but with that

it does sound a little better controlled

however they both sound great it's a

very energetic sound you're getting

plenty of that sub bass presence and the

mids and highs come through nice and

clear so vocals are very pronounced now

when it comes to the active noise

cancellation and the transparency mode

these are pretty much the exact same

you're getting some solid performance

with the anc and i would estimate that

they're able to block out about 70

percent of your surroundings the

transparency mode is also pretty

effective it gives you a very natural

sound with little to no white noise or

delay so you can definitely use it for

those times that you want to be more

aware of your surroundings as far as the

call quality i think both of these

perform really well

both in quiet and noisy environments but

let's go ahead and do a microphone test

so that you guys can be the judge

alright so this is a microphone test of

the jbl tune 230 noise canceling earbuds

so this should give you a rough idea as

to how you would sound if you choose to

take phone calls in a quiet environment

now let's see how they sound once we add

some background noise

[Music]

all right now we got some crowd noise

being played on a speaker so this should

give you a pretty good idea as to how

you would sound if you choose to take

phone calls in a more noisy environment

testing testing one two three testing

testing one two three

all right so this is a microphone test

of the jbl tune 130 noise cancelling

earbuds so this should give you a pretty

good idea as to how you would sound if

you choose to take phone calls in a

quiet environment now let's see how they

sound once we add some background noise

all right now we got some crowd noise

being played on a speaker so this should

give you a pretty good idea as to how

you would sound if you choose to take

phone calls in a more noisy environment

testing testing one two three testing

testing one two three so overall for me

personally i would go with the tune 230

mostly because of the fit i found myself

needing to readjust the tune 130 way too

much for me to use them on a regular

basis so that's going to be it for this

video hopefully this helps outline some

of the key differences between these two

and if you're interested in grabbing

either of them be sure to check out the

links down in the description also if

you found this video to be helpful do me

a favor and give it a thumbs up as well

as subscribe to the channel you can also

follow me on social media to stay up to

date on all the reviews that i have

coming up and aside from that as always

i'll see you guys in the next one

you